Thane Mental Hospital Patients Craft 500 Rakhis for Soldiers

Female patients at the Regional Mental Hospital in Thane have handmade 500 colorful rakhis destined for Indian soldiers guarding the nation's borders, marking Raksha Bandhan through a unique rehabilitation drive.

The initiative was organised jointly by the hospital and the socio-cultural group Aamhi Shivbhakt Parivar. Working from hospital tables, the women crafted tokens of gratitude to honour jawans deployed on distant front lines.

Beyond expressing patriotic sentiment, the project served as an occupational therapy programme aimed at clinical recovery. Guided by occupational therapists, the crafting process was designed to support physical and cognitive rehabilitation.

According to the hospital, the physical tasks of cutting thread, stringing fine beads, and decorating helped improve the patients' fine motor coordination and hand dexterity. Selecting patterns and following multi-step instructions helped enhance cognitive functions such as concentration, memory, and spatial planning. Crafting in groups also encouraged peer communication, teamwork, and emotional resilience.

Medical professionals at the facility noted that the initiative challenges societal prejudices surrounding mental health by showcasing the empathy and creative capabilities of individuals in treatment.

Medical Superintendent Dr Netaji Mulik said the rakhis reflect the patients' deep affection for the country and gratitude toward soldiers. He added that the initiative delivers an important message to society about the sensitivity, skills, and potential for meaningful social contribution among individuals with mental health conditions.

The project was carried out under the hospital's Occupational Therapy Department, demonstrating how clinical rehabilitation can be integrated with national traditions to support recovery and social participation.